Libraries, Sport & recreation  |  22 Feb 2024

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Mark your diaries now, Christchurch’s newest pool and library complex is opening on Friday 19 April.

Matatiki Hornby Centre, in Kyle Park, will be officially opened by Mayor Phil Mauger at a formal ceremony starting at 1pm.

The formalities will be followed by a full day of community activities and celebrations on Saturday 20 April.

“We’re looking forward to opening the doors and welcoming the community,” says Council Head of Recreation, Sports and Events Nigel Cox.

“After years of planning and hard work, it’s fantastic to see the project enter the homestretch.”

The construction phase of the project is due to wrap up next month, when the site will be handed over to the Council for the fit-out.

“We’ll be completing the operational fit out, training and inducting team members, and testing equipment to make sure everything is shipshape before Matatiki opens its doors to the community,” says Mr Cox.

Head of Libraries and Information Carolyn Robertson says the team at Hornby Library is gearing up for their big move from Goulding Avenue.

“Preparations are in full swing to pack up the Hornby Library collection and shift everything to its new home at Matatiki. There are around 19,000 items to move, so between the shift and getting familiar with the new site, it will be a busy and exciting time for our staff,” says Ms Robertson.

The Goulding Avenue library will close on Thursday 28 March for the shift. The customer services desk at Goulding Avenue will remain open until 5pm Friday 19 April, before also shifting across to Matatiki. The customer services team will continue to offer their full range of services like council payments and dog registrations.

Hornby Councillor Mark Peters says the Matatiki opening will be “a landmark day for Hornby”.

“I'm really looking forward to seeing the Hornby and southwest Christchurch communities having ready access to this fabulous indoor aquatic centre, customer services hub, and a great, modern library,” says Cr Peters.

Hornby Rotary and the Greater Hornby Residents’ Association are working alongside the Council to fundraise $1.4 million for a hydrotherapy pool at the facility. The groups have raised over $1.1 million to date.

“The Matatiki hydrotherapy pool is only the second public one in Christchurch and is much awaited by many who currently have to go to Rolleston or all the way across town to Taiora QEII,” says Cr Peters.

The Matatiki Hornby Centre pool complex also includes a lane pool, learn-to-swim pool, family spa pool, and toddlers’ wet play area.

The centre also includes the Auahatanga Creative Space, which includes resources like a laser cutter, 3D printer, audio/visual recording equipment, and sewing machines. The library will also have 12 public computers.

The 4000m2 site also includes a café, bookable meeting rooms and outdoor courtyard.

Learn more Matatiki Hornby Centre here.